A new poll shows Americans are split as to whether governments should recognize gay marriage, but a majority say same-sex couples should have legal recognition, the Associated Press reported Monday. The poll was conducted by the AP in conjunction with the National Constitution Center.

Furthermore, more than two-thirds of respondents under the age of 35 say that same-sex couples should receive the same recognition and benefits as heterosexual couples; less than 40% of those older than 35 agree with the younger age group.

Those questioned say they support governmental assistance to religious organizations for community service programs, but the support decreases if the organizations also promote their religious beliefs.

The Advocate also reports that same-gender partners seeking to adult their spouse or partner’s child won’t find a welcome reception in the Bluegrass State.

A strongly worded opinion from the Kentucky court of appeals has barred judges from granting same-sex partners the right to adopt children as stepparents, reports The [Louisville] Courier-Journal.

The 3-0 ruling decreed that stepparent adoptions are permitted only when the second parent is legally married to the biological mother or father of the child. Same-sex couples are not allowed to marry in Kentucky due to the state’s constitutional amendment, and the court of appeals decision said a family court judge and lawyers for a lesbian couple had ignored that law in allowing a stepparent adoption for a member of that couple in 2005.